Properties of unidirectional kenaf fiber–polyolefin laminates

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of kenaf fiber orientation and furnish formulation on the properties of laminated natural fiber–polymer composites (LNPC). The uniaxial fiber orientation provided property enhancement of the LNPC. The randomly oriented kenaf fibers, regardless of fiber contents in the laminates, provided an equal performance compared to the composites made of 25% fiber glass reinforced polyvinyl ester resin in the same laboratory processing conditions. Thermal properties of the laminates obtained from thermal gravimetry with differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) showed that the melting point (Tm) of the polypropylene (PP) film laminates decreased, and the crystallization peak increased as the kenaf fiber content in the laminates increased. The surface morphology results of the kenaf fiber and fractures of the laminates showed that some fibers pulled out from the matrix. The mechanical properties increased as the kenaf fiber content increased. The tensile stress of the laminated composites fabricated with unidirectional fiber orientation was about 2–4 times higher than those with the randomly oriented samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Role of in-plane stacking sequence on transverse effective thermal conductivity of unidirectional composite laminates

“…The polymer composite thermal conductivity is usually at least one to two orders of magnitude lower than metals which preclude their use in such thermal applications. Although the unidirectional laminates have already been investigated for their longitudinal and transverse thermal performance [1][2][3][4], the influence of stacking sequence in determining the through thickness thermal conductivity have not been addressed for non-woven composite structures [5]. This paper will explore laminated heterogeneous systems and study the dependence of the in-plane fiber volume fraction and fiber tow angle-ply sequence on the through-thickness thermal conductivity.…”

Effects of Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties and Water Resistance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

“…Kenaf fiber-reinforced UPE composites have higher specific strength and stiffness, lower density and better noise absorbing ability than glass fiber-reinforced UPE composites [6,7]. Kenaf fiber-reinforced UPE composites can, therefore, be potentially used as automobile parts [4].…”

“…Kenaf fibers are one of the natural fibers that have attractive features as a reinforcing material for thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester (UPE). Kenaf fibers are traditionally used for making ropes, mats, carpets and paper [4]. Kenaf fiber-reinforced UPE composites have higher specific strength and stiffness, lower density and better noise absorbing ability than glass fiber-reinforced UPE composites [6,7].…”

“…Natural fibers as reinforcing materials for polymers have many advantages over glass fibers such as higher specific strength, lighter weight and lower cost [1][2][3][4]. Kenaf is a herbaceous annual plant.…”

Investigation of acrylamide‐modified melamine‐formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf‐unsaturated polyester composites

“…Natural plant fibers are renewable, biodegradable, of low density, and of low cost, and have a great potential for replacement of glass fibers for the production of fiber‐reinforced composites [1–3]. Natural fiber‐reinforced composites (NFRCs) can potentially be used in automobiles, aircrafts, appliance components, and many other applications [4–6].…”